Biography

Formed: 1981 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

This German black metal band's early lineup consisted of Tom Angelripper (bass/vocals), Aggressor (guitar/vocals), and Chris "Witchhunter" Dudek (drums). They were heavily influenced by thrash/speed metal bands like Motörhead, Venom, and Mercyful Fate, exploring the darkest subject matter possible. Aggressor quit the group before its first full-length album was released and was succeeded in turn by Grave Violator, Destructor, and Blackfire. Mortal Way of Life, recorded on a European tour, was the...